§ 13. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General the number of pillar boxes that are still in use in the Metropolitan police area that have been in use for more than 25 years; and how many of these boxes are fitted with separate compartments for Metropolitan or provincial letters?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)The number of pillar boxes in the Metropolitan 2028 Police Area is very large, and it would involve a disproportionate amount of time and labour to ascertain how many of them were installed more than 25 years ago. Boxes with separate compartments for "London and Abroad" on the one hand, and "Country" on the other, number 475, and are confined to the E.C. and W.C. districts.
§ Mr. DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these old boxes have only one compartment; that when the letters are all put into one bag there may be delay and that the postal authorities have them stamped "delayed in the post"?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo, Sir. I am not aware of the circumstances stated by the hon. Member, but if he brings any cases of the kind to my knowledge they shall be inquired into.
§ Mr. BROMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the small wall-boxes will not hold all the letters and that letters drop out of them?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONVery occasionally. I have received complaints of that kind; if I hear of any instance I shall at once take steps to have the matter put right.
§ Mr. DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I brought a similar case to his particular notice, and that the matter has not yet been remedied, after a lapse of two months?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am inquiring into that case.